Britain rides the wrong bikes...but we're learning

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by ogden

The right bike is the one I enjoy riding, that pushes my buttons and doesn't leave me longing for something different.

So that would be any Honda then ?

[ogden]

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

So that would be any ***** then ?

For once I'm glad of the profanity filter.

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by ogden

For once I'm glad of the profanity filter.

[embee]

I suppose there's no real right or wrong, most things are more or less of a compromise. I'd equally say that Britain drives the wrong cars, 90% of owners would probably be "better off" (whatever that might mean) with a different car, but it's heads and hearts.

As for bikes, well an awful lot of owners and riders (not always the same thing) go for what they want not what they need, but is that wrong? Don't think so.

I know I'm a boring old f9rt, but I'm lucky enough to be able to have a selection of cars and bikes so I can indulge myself a bit. My main car does exactly what I need of it, 100% reliable, cheap to run, 1.0L Yaris, but then I have a sports car too.
I've got an SV650S which is fantastic fun and I love it, but I also have a Deauville because it's simply the most competent practical middleweight tourer around, live with one and you'll begin to understand.

If I had to have only one car or one bike, which would it be?
Hmmmm, tricky

[yorkie_chris]

Horses for courses. Simple as.

I would love a honda SP2 as a weekend toy, a peice of HRC to call my own and to ride my favorite roads and (sometimes) brands hatch.

But my SV is fine on the road for me. I would really love a triumph tiger 1050. Apparently GSXR750's are pretty ok on the road, as far as sports bikes go. I'm yet to ride my dads, but from sitting on it i can tell i wouldnt be to uncomfy riding it every day. A yamaha fazer 1000 would be brilliant.

But, really, at the end of the day, as long as what I ride isnt a bus (so no harley or goldwing!) and enables me to filter through london traffic, its the right bike for me.

[ogden]

Originally Posted by alpinestarhero

Apparently GSXR750's are pretty ok on the road, as far as sports bikes go. I'm yet to ride my dads, but from sitting on it i can tell i wouldnt be to uncomfy riding it every day.

I only did one long-ish run on mine (London to Chimay, in Belgium) and it was absolutely fine. The ZX7R I had a few years ago was similarly comfy, though a bit heavier.

As for commuting through London, anything short of a Goldwing will do the job (and I know someone who's commuted to the City on one of those).

The "right" bike is whatever you want it to be. Unless it's a H*nda, obviously.

Scooter, 600cc/750cc/1000cc Sports Bike, Supermoto, Cruiser, Allrounder, whatever.
Does it really matter what you ride as long as you enjoy it? I'm sure most of us could have fun on pretty much anything in the right circumstances.

Originally Posted by the_lone_wolf

but seriously, just because you don't use a bike on a track doesn't mean you're never going to enjoy it on the road does it?

No, of course it doesn't, but then I didn't say that. There will always be people who do use a sportsbike on and off track, but by their very nature-ie superfast, if you ride one to its full potential on the road, you'd be banned.

But of course it's down to individual comfort, taste, etc.

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

I'm wandering if a lot peopls perception of what sports bikes are like to ride are based on these magazine articles rather than actual experience......

I've only ridden one modern 600 sportsbike and that was a gixxer. Maybe I'm too fat, or maybe there was something wrong with it, or maybe it doesn't like thin air at altitiude in Mexico, or the petrol octane is too low, I don't know, but the damn thing just didn't go until you got it above 9000 revs, then it went ballistic up to the redline and you were doing 150 mph before you knew what was happening. Rediculously quick, but not quick enough when I wanted it to be. For everyday riding between 0 and 100 mph I prefer the SV.

I told Independant Photo what I thought about it before he test rode it at a Suzuki dealer open day in Edinburgh, his comment afterwards was "yes, I see exactly what you mean" and he changed his mind and decided to stick with the SV.

Sorry, just my actual experience.